James Kicinski-McCoy is a writer, specializing in creative marketing and branding, is a co-founder and editor of Mother Magazine, and co-owner of Two Son. She lives with her husband and four children in Nashville, Tennessee.

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WHAT’S REALLY IN YOUR BEAUTY CABINET?

09/28/2017

As Beauty Editor at Mother, I have the privilege and opportunity to test a number of different products, from skincare to makeup, and everything in between. If I’m being completely honest, I love beauty, but especially skincare. And, I’m so thankful to have a career where I am exposed to so many wonderful, deserving brands and products on a regular basis. We’re only given one skin, and I think that it’s our responsibility to take care of it in the best way we possibly can. That said, the older I become, and the more that the industry starts to make a shift toward green beauty, the more that I begin to wonder what’s actually in a lot of the products that I’m testing, trying, and ultimately allowing into my body.

Did you know that the United States only has bans on 11 cosmetics ingredients? That might sound like a lot, but in places like Europe, they ban over 1,300, so the gap is actually quite staggering. That number isn’t just for adults, either. Baby product companies in America also lack the regulation and standards they’d have to adhere to in other countries. I don’t know about you, but I personally find it difficult to track and monitor ingredient lists and I can get pretty lazy when it comes to it. Even once I do know what’s in a product, I still don’t know what some ingredients actually do, or the potential harm that they may or may not cause. At the end of the day, it’s just a tough industry to monitor, and honestly, we as consumers shouldn’t have to do it.

All that said, I started to comb through my beauty closet and all of the products on my bathroom countertop to see if there were any places that I could improve. Now, I can’t say that I can or ever will make the switch to a completely natural or green regimen, but I have definitely started exploring more natural beauty products. If you’ve started the process toward going green with your own routine, you’ll know that its no easy feat. I was thrilled to discover that there are plenty of brands that I already own that hold themselves to a higher standard. One in particular being Biossance, which I have been a long time partner.

If you’ve been following along with Bleubird for a while, you’ll know that this is a brand I use and love, especially for its effectiveness of the main ingredient, Squalane. However, after doing a bit of research, I found that while the U.S. bans 11 beauty ingredients and Europe bans 1,300, Biossance actually bans over 2,000 potentially harmful ingredients from its products. To put it simply, Biossance takes the guesswork out of it, so that you can be confident in what you’re putting on (and in!) your skin. Because, let’s face it: we deserve better. So, as I continue to finesse my routine and dive deeper into the background of the brands I’m using, Biossance will remain, especially their Eye Gel, Squalane + Vitamin C Rose Oil, and Squalane + Probiotic Gel. If you’re interested in checking out Biossance for yourself, stop by your local Sephora or visit online.

10 comments

In an effort to only use natural beauty products I go to the Environmental Working Groups website ewg.org/skindeep where they rate everything on its toxicity, with 1 being the least toxic and 10 being the most. I only purchase items that are rated 1 and I will definitely be checking out the Bissance products you recommend because they are rated 1 and 2! http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/brand/Biossance/#.Wc2NgMZry00

thank you for introducing me to Biossance! I first got their free samples and really liked them so much I ordered more. I especially like squalane oil and noticed that since I started using it, I have less break outs. I’m just after 40 and I’ve been seriously rethinking my skin care, ditching conventional products for more natural ones – vitamins and oils. other than that I think proper night rest+drinking at least 2l of water a day+face yoga go before products. and sun protection is a must.

If you really do want to go clean, which I imagine you will more and more over time, get some living libations. It’s both the cleanest purest stuff u can use, but also covetable magic. You won’t regret it

I choose natural cosmetics. The environment is quite toxic and there is no need for more chemistry. I also pay attention to the ecological policy of the company. Currently I choose Polish cosmetics which have very good prices and are of great quality.
Kisses
Elahttp://www.themomentsbyela.pl

I’m so interested in this! I’ve been looking a lot into The Ordinary… have you heard about it or tried it? Their price point is really low and it’s sold here in England. This brand you’re sharing also seems reasonably priced which honestly for me is such an issue with many great beauty brands!

I’m so happy you wrote a post about natural beauty products! As of lately I’ve been looking and watching out for what I consume and what I’m putting on my body such as makeup and body lotions. so glad you found your regimen! -Gloria Figueroa

I was just about to go on a hunt for a natural face cream, but I don’t think I will have to look anymore. Thanks for the tip! On a totally unrelated note; where did you get that sweet match holder? It’s adorable!!